Nearly ten years after the Rif Hirak, a major protest movement that began in 2016, the city of Al-Hoceima in northern Morocco appears to have returned to a more tranquil state. The streets, once filled with the voices of thousands of demonstrators, now seem quiet, and most visible signs of the protest have faded. The movement, sparked by the death of fish seller Mohcine Fikri in October 2016, led to widespread demonstrations across the Rif region and beyond. These protests were met with arrests, trials, and heavy prison sentences. In 2019, 43 protesters were sentenced to prison terms of up to 20 years. Today, many families still travel long distances to visit their loved ones in prison, with some expressing exhaustion and frustration over the prolonged detentions. In June 2026, a solidarity caravan arrived in Al-Hoceima, organized by a group of human rights activists. The event highlighted the ongoing struggle for justice and reconciliation in the region. The Rif Hirak, led by figures such as Nasser Zefzafi—currently serving a 20-year prison sentence since 2018—and Nabil Ahamjik, known locally as "Khalti Alia," who received a 20-year sentence in 2017, continues to resonate with many. Khalti Alia described the emotional toll on families, noting that visiting loved ones in prison has become a regular part of their lives for nearly nine years. She questioned how the demand for dignity and development led to such severe sentences and emphasized that the release of detainees is crucial for achieving true reconciliation in the region. In the mid-2010s, the Moroccan government launched the "Mediterranean Beacon" (Manarat Al-Moutawassit) program, a development initiative aimed at transforming Al-Hoceima. Initially funded with 6.5 billion dirhams, the program included 644 projects in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and tourism. However, a 2017 report by the Court of Audits pointed out significant delays in implementation, citing problems like poor coordination and weak governance. By March 2022, officials claimed the program was nearly 98% complete, with a final cost of 7.2 billion dirhams. Yet, many residents argue that the development has been superficial, with hospitals still lacking medical staff and unemployment remaining high despite new infrastructure. Mohamed El-Mejjaoui, a former Hirak detainee known as "the sage of the Rif," said that the release of some prisoners has not ended the region’s struggles, as six main leaders remain in prison. He noted that many released detainees face challenges reintegrating into society, including being excluded from job opportunities despite passing recruitment exams. El-Mejjaoui described the situation as a "form of siege," with many young people leaving the region in search of work or asylum in Europe. This has led to a demographic shift and a loss of the city's youth. The health sector remains a pressing issue in Al-Hoceima, where the province has a high prevalence of diseases such as cancer. Despite announced investments, the lack of medical staff and outdated hospital equipment continues to force patients to travel to other cities for treatment. The local economy, once heavily reliant on maritime fishing, has also declined, reducing employment opportunities. El-Mejjaoui stressed that the core demands of the Rif Hirak—health, work, and dignity—remain unresolved. Residents of Al-Hoceima emphasize the need for dialogue and a new approach to address the root causes of social unrest, rather than relying on security measures. They believe that true reconciliation requires the release of the remaining detainees and a commitment to addressing the region’s social and economic challenges through trust, listening, and dialogue. The legacy of the Rif Hirak continues to shape the city’s present and future, with its impact still deeply felt in the lives of its residents.